Pawlenty Repositions. Now that he’s running for the GOP Presidential nomination, Pawlenty’s previous enthusiasm for climate mitigation is “evolving” in the direction of the GOP base. I wish he’d taken environmental law from me rather than Contracts.

Jim Coody PE:
You can “suspect” that if you want, but there’s not an iota of evidence to support the idea that “science” is why he changed his position. He’s on record as saying that although he shares the goal of reducing carbon emissions, he believes that the current bill isn’t the way to do it. (For example: http://fox21online.com/news/pawlenty-criticizes-climate-bill-congress ) While he cites alleged negative economic impacts from the bill, virtually all observers seem to believe that his significant change from positions he espoused just months ago relates to politics, not to any fundamental change in his beliefs. (Here’s a Novak column from early 2008 laying out his political vulnerability on the issue – apparently Pawlenty has taken Novak’s advice!: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/27/AR2008022703177.html )

Any good sources on acid rain and the Clean Air Act? Interested in how many plants have installed pollution control equipment, actual reductions in SOX and NOX, future reductions under current law, differences in standards between east and west. Basic arm chair reading for those relaxed evenings at home.